beauty -

If I Only Had a Break

If only you could click your ruby slippers three times and go somewhere totally dreamy.

Not too far from home (no twister necessary), just someplace an arm’s length away from your fridge, phone, and e-mail.

Turn those slippers west and head to Wicker Park’s Ruby Room. While the healing spa is not news, the eight suites opening on the top two floors are. They won’t be ready for guests until July 1, but they’re taking reservations now.

The Zen-like rooms are appointed with double pillow-top mattresses, a spa healing kit, and steam showers. Hills addicts be forewarned: There are no televisions. (After all, the focus here is on relaxation, not distraction.)

Rooms at the urban retreat run a modest $145-$175 a night, but in order to shack up you have to spring for at least two services. Which shouldn’t be a problem: Every guest works with a personal concierge to design the ideal spa stay. Options include everything from yoga and acupuncture to salon visits and a chakra journey, which sounds rather magical to us.

You know. Kind of like going to see the Wizard.


The Suites at the Ruby Room, 1743-45 West Division Street, between Hermitage Avenue and Wood Street (773-235-2323 or rubyroom.com).